Mr Pugh said he was delighted to be playing a leading role in the Society

A society set up to protect the environment of Snowdonia has appointed former Welsh Assembly Government minister Alun Pugh as director.

Mr Pugh, 52, who became the only assembly minister to lose a seat at last May's elections, will start with the Snowdonia Society on 3 March.

The society said he understood issues affecting the Snowdonia National Park.

A long-time member of the society, Mr Pugh, described the park as a "truly special place" with unique qualities.

Mr Pugh was the AM for Clwyd West and also the minister for culture, Welsh language and sport in the assembly government between 2003 and 2007.

'Inner workings'

"We have a responsibility to protect Snowdonia for future generations and the society's 2,600 members can be proud of its 40-year record of environmental improvement projects and campaigning work," said Mr Pugh.

Society chairman David Firth added: "Alun fully understands the key policy issues affecting the national park and he has experience of the inner workings of government at a high level."

The North West Wales Outdoor Partnership also welcomed the appointment.

"Alun is passionate about creating opportunities for local people to become involved in outdoor recreation," said Amanda Davies, from the partnership.